đź”— Share this article UN Removes Penalties on Syrian President Ahead of Presidential Visit The UN Security Council voted in favour to a United States-backed measure ending penalties on Syria's leader Ahmed al-Sharaa ahead of his presidential meeting next week. Sharaa was named interim leader following his leadership in a revolutionary movement that ousted the previous leader in winter 2024, bringing to a close over a decade of domestic strife. The US representative to the UN Mike Waltz stated the United Nations delivered "a strong political signal" that recognised Syria was in "a different period" since Assad was deposed. Previously, he faced UN sanctions while commanding the religious organization Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), previously associated with al-Qaeda. The US removed the group from its registry of global extremist entities in July. Additional Sanctions Relief Furthermore, global sanctions were ended on restrictions targeting Syria's Interior Minister Anas Khattab. The nation's top diplomat applauded the lifting of the penalties, declaring through digital channels: "Syrian officials convey thanks to the United States and to friendly nations for assisting the country and its population." Imminent Washington Talks Sharaa's White House visit this coming Monday follows President Trump said the Syrian leader demonstrated "substantial headway" working toward stability to the conflict-ravaged nation. Subsequent to their talks, Trump remarked the Syrian leader had "a legitimate chance at pulling it together". The pair met initially this past May, while the American president was in Saudi Arabia on a tour of Arab nations. Following that encounter, the US president described Sharaa as a "tough guy" having a "formative history". His former militant faction served as al-Qaeda's branch inside the country before he cut connections during 2016. Prior United States Journey The upcoming meeting does not represent his initial visit to the United States in the current year. This past fall, he made history as the pioneering Middle Eastern head of state to address the global assembly in New York for nearly six decades. In his speech, he stated the country had been "regaining its deserved status within the global community" and expressed solidarity with the people of Gaza. President Sharaa speaks before global body for first time after nearly six decades Trump's meeting with Sharaa, previously unimaginable, elevates national expectations